A new concept to lure employees back to work is the phenomenon of glamming up the workplace with design, tech and amenities. Transitioning back from flexi to full time working from office, has been proving a tough task for corporates, and office peacocking is strategy employers are using to make their offices so attractive and comfortable that employees can't resist coming back.
SHOW THE TRUE COLORS
While, office peacocking with stylish décor, recreational zones, stocked pantries and lounge areas is a great way to upgrade the workplace to make it more conducive and people-centric work environment, focus should be on genuine improvements instead of fake feathers and colors. Prioritizing enhancements from mere aesthetics to ergonomic comfort and recreation to health and safety measures will make real, impactful improvements. And equipping the office with technology tools, can facilitate true collaboration and productivity.
This could include from video conferencing tools, interactive whiteboards and ergonomic furniture to smart lighting, air-conditioning and security features.
MAKING OFFICE COMMUTE COUNT
Realizing the new trend of “coffee badging” - the act of going into the office to “show face” for a few hours and then leaving, companies are going to great length,s festooning workspaces with swank, modern design features and look “resimercial” (spaces that are part residential, part commercial). But is that enough to make the employees treacherous commute to office worth their while? Let’s accept that our home’s atmosphere, furniture or any other aspect is not equipped to provide comfort for working long hours or for the required focus on work. Offices on the other hand, by incorporating technology can not only enhance the layout, design, and overall appearance of the office space, but also offer better infrastructure for employee’s wellbeing, that will make office, an ideal space to work with ease.
TECHNOLOGY ENABLERS
Human Centric Lighting – The right lighting can make all the difference in the world when it comes to enhancing aesthetics, comfort and a productive work environment. The automated lighting using intelligent controls based on IoT mimics the circadian rhythm to not only dim the lights but also simulate natural daylight along with its visual, biological, and emotional effects. The intelligent and automated lighting systems help aid workers biological clock by mimicking daytime light signals and in the process saves energy too.
Smart HVAC Systems – Maintaining the right temperature in a space is the key to maximizing occupant comfort and minimizing energy consumption. A comfortable temperature is essential for a productive work environment, and smart HVAC systems with sensors and algorithms to measure temperature and humidity keep the office at just the right temperature.What’s more the intelligent sensors based on the occupancy in different parts of the office can adjust the temperature accordingly and automaticallyturn off when a particular space is empty.
Smart Security Systems - Security systems with advanced sensors and cameras detect visitors, monitor movements, and send alerts when there is suspicious activity. They use facial recognition and access control, are easy to install and can be integrated with office's existing
technology infrastructure.
Ergonomic Furniture – One of the most critical factors affecting productivity is the poorly designed desks and seating that can lead to fatigue, and even long-term health issues. Chairs with adjustable lumbar support, height, and armrests, along with adjustable desks, help employees maintain a healthy and comfortable working posture, ultimately leading to increased productivity.
IoT Connected Furniture - The latest in office design is the Wi-Fi connected furniture that allows seamless communication and collaboration among office occupants. IoT-enabled office furniture transforms desks, chairs and workstations into connected devices, The Integrated sensors and wireless connectivity allows users to easily share data, collaborate on projects while communicating with colleagues regardless of their physical location. In addition, custom-made IoT-enabled desks equipped with touchscreens and interactive displays enable employees to collaborate on documents, share ideas and conduct virtual meetings in real-time.
AI Intervention - The more workspace design can be personalized; the more enhanced comfort and productivity will be for an employee. AI can be used to personalize workspaces based on individual preferences and work habits, from lighting to temperature according to the time of day or task. AI-compatible furniture, such as desks and chairs, can adapt to users’ ergonomic needs and provide employers with real-time feedback on posture and health.
Digital Art - As companies seek to differentiate themselves, the aesthetics of office spaces can be taken up a notch higher with interactive displays & digital art that have the potential to transform mundane workspaces into dynamic hubs of creativity and collaboration. One of the unique advantages of digital art is its ability to be customized to create unique environments that enhance employee morale and productivity.
ACCEPT THE RISE OF ‘OFFICE PEACOCKING’
Finally, it is time companies accept the fact that the offices have to become magnetic enough to attract talent and most importantly retain talent. Technology use in workspaces can enhance the look and feel while, creating a more collaborative and efficient atmosphere that all employees eventually desire. An example is of Brooklyn, N.Y.- based design firm ROOM, that has revolutionized modern workplaces with products like soundproof meeting pods and “phone booths,” or soundproof, individual privacy spaces made for the open office and even “Room for Zoom,” a pod specially designed for video conferencing.
IS IT WORTH IT
Office peacocking is not just about incorporating fancy tech or elements like standing desks, soft-seating areas; bright, colorful accents and artwork; and biophilic design, but also understanding the hesitancy some employees may have about working from office. This is where technologies in various spheres can enhance the efficiencies of employees enabling better worklife balance, that they all crave.
So, before you start incorporating technology into your office design, it is important to understand employee needs, identify areas that could benefit from technology upgrades and limit scope of technology intervention so that it doesn’t become overwhelming.
For instance, smart HVAC, lighting, security and furniture are the basic technologies that should be upgraded to become more personalized and easier to maintain. Additionally, IoT connected desks can create collaborative workspaces,while digital art & interactive displays can instill a sense of pride in employees for their organization
As technology continues to evolve, it is important to consider future needs of new generation of workforce.
Therefore, choose technology solutions that are flexible and scalable, and leave room for future upgrades and expansions. Artificial intelligence, in that sense can be an empowering tool. By automating routine tasks, providing data-driven insights, and adding even more strategy to the design process, AI can help create a workspace that is even more visually appealing, comfortable, and productive.
Office peacocking reflects a dynamic shift in workplace strategy, emphasising the transformation of the office intova people-focused environment.
While, office peacocking with stylish décor and amenities can make it more conducive, focus should be on genuine improvements instead of fake feathers.
From automated lighting systems to advanced HVAC systems, office interior backed and enhanced by technology can be the biggest pull factor for ‘return to office’.
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